Recs if you like The Gilded Girl (Gilded Magic, #1)...

JK Rowling is a bigot who uses her platform to hurt transfolks and other marginalized groups (plus she literally just quoted Mein Kampf on the bird site). If you're still supporting her in 2025, don't bother talking to me.

books featuring or set in magic schools / universities / academies, aka, one of the best subgenres in existence !

this list has books for all ages (am actively looking for more adult options), most of the books are dark academia, and ALL of them are fantastical 🪄 recs welcome <3

(alternatively, books to fall in love with & share with others to help avoid supporting or promoting JKR. i will never shut up ab how the Nevermoor series deserves the popularity that Harry Potter enjoys !)

Do you love stories that take place or revolve around magic academies/classes that aren't written by a TERF and aphobic author? Well, do I have the book list for you!

Books that feel like they could be adapted into a Studio Ghibli movie or have similar vibes to specific Ghibli films

Classic novel/poem retellings (this list excludes mythology & fairytales)

~ speculative fiction only ~